Smart connector system for surgical machine

ABSTRACT

A smart connector system includes a machine connector disposed on a face of a surgical machine, an illumination ring located on the face of the surgical machine and disposed around a periphery of the machine connector, an RFID reader antenna located in close proximity to the machine connector and the face of the surgical machine, and an accessory connector adapted to couple with the machine connector. The accessory connector has an RFID tag antenna and is capable of attaching a tool to the surgical machine. When the accessory connector is brought within close proximity to the machine connector, a communications connection is established between the RFID tag antenna and the RFID reader antenna.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to surgical machines and more particularlyto an RFID and ring illumination system for facilitating the connectionof accessories to a surgical machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many operations performed today involve the use of complex surgicalmachines. Computerized equipment is often used by surgeons in theoperating room (OR) to conduct surgery. These machines monitor andimplement various stages of an operation. For example, in ophthalmicsurgery, computerized machines and associated tools are used by asurgeon to perform cataract removal and lens replacement. Other machinesare used to perform retinal surgery. These machines allow the surgeon toproceed through the steps of an operation.

Most surgical machines are designed to work with various tools. Inophthalmic surgery, these tools include probes, scissors, hand pieces,illuminators, lasers, and consumables. These tools are designed toconnect to the front console of the surgical machine. For example, asurgeon performing retinal surgery may attach a small pair ofpneumatically driven scissors to the machine. The scissors, in the formof a hand piece, are connected to a pneumatic connector on the frontconsole of the machine with a cable. The cable provides the pneumaticpower required to operate the scissors. One end of the cable is attachedto the scissors while the other end has a connector designed to couplewith the pneumatic connector on the front console of the machine.

Typically, the front console of the machine has a number of connectorsdesigned to connect with and power various tools. For example, oneconnector may be designed to provide pneumatic power to a tool whileanother connecter may be designed to provide electric power to adifferent tool. In addition, a single pneumatic connector on the frontconsole may be designed to interface with a number of differentpneumatically-driven tools. Each tool that is plugged into the pneumaticconnector will perform its intended function. One tool may be a pair ofscissors used to cut tissue. Another tool may be a type of probe or adrug delivery device. Since each of these tools is designed to connectwith the pneumatic connector on the console of the surgical machine,each is driven by the pneumatic power supplied by the machine.

A problem can arise during surgery when the wrong tool is connected tothe machine. In such a case, the tool operates normally, but the wrongprocedure is performed on the patient. For example, a surgeon maymistakenly attach a pair of pneumatically-driven scissors to a machinewhen he intends to attach a pneumatically-driven drug delivery device.The scissors will perform their intended function of cutting tissue.Since the surgeon intended to deliver a dosage of a drug, however, theunwanted cutting performed by the scissors can injure the patient.

As another example, there may be two different types of cutting tools.Each one may interface with the same connector on the front console ofthe machine. Using the wrong cutting tool can inflict unintended harm onthe patient. Further, there may be two different types ofelectrically-driven tools, such as an illuminator and a laser. Using alaser when an illuminator is required can harm the patient. In sum,error on the part of the surgeon in using the wrong tool or the wrongtype of tool can unintentionally injure a patient during an operation.

Further confusion can occur because of the labeling present on the frontof a surgical machine. In conventional surgical machines, the connectorson the front console are passively labeled. A pneumatic connecterdesigned to work with several different tools may be labeled with asingle icon, symbol or LED. This passive labeling may identify the typeof connector or that power is being delivered through the connector, butsuch labeling is ineffective at preventing surgeon error.

In order to address this problem, some conventional surgical machinesemploy a set of different connectors for a set of different tools. Inthis manner, each tool is designed to mate with its own connector.However, this configuration of numerous different connectors can beconfusing to the surgeon and adds additional expense and complexity tothe design of the surgical machine. Moreover, different versions of thesame type of tool may interface with a single one of the connectors onthe front console of the machine. For example, two different types ofscissors may be adapted to fit the same pneumatic connector on the frontconsole of the machine. Using the wrong type of scissors might harm thepatient.

Machines with conventional connectors also do not allow the collectionof data from the tool. Since the physical connector on the front of themachine is often dumb, it cannot tell which tool is connected to it.Conventional connectors are adapted simply to provide the correctelectric or pneumatic power to a tool. These connectors cannot discernwhat type of tool is connected to them. They also cannot identify aparticular tool, how many times a particular tool was used, and otherinformation about how the tool is operating or even if it is operatingproperly.

A smart connector system for a surgical machine is needed to addressthese problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment consistent with the principles of the presentinvention, the present invention is a smart connector system for asurgical machine having a machine connector disposed on a face of asurgical machine, an illumination ring located on the face of thesurgical machine and disposed around a periphery of the machineconnector, an RFID reader antenna located in close proximity to themachine connector and the face of the surgical machine, and an accessoryconnector adapted to couple with the machine connector. The accessoryconnector has an RFID tag antenna and is capable of attaching a tool tothe surgical machine. When the accessory connector is brought withinclose proximity to the machine connector, a communications connection isestablished between the RFID tag antenna and the RFID reader antenna.

In another embodiment consistent with the principles of the presentinvention, the present invention is a ring illumination system includinga surgical machine having a main surgical console and a display. Thesystem also has a machine connector disposed on a face of the mainsurgical console. The machine connector is adapted to provide power to asurgical tool. The system also has an illumination ring located on theface of the main surgical console and disposed around a periphery of thereceiving connector. The illumination ring has a light source and alight diffusive and refractive element. The system also has an RFIDreader including an RFID reader antenna located in close proximity tothe machine connector and the face of the main surgical console. Thesystem also has an accessory connector adapted to couple with themachine connector. The accessory connector has an RFID tag and isconfigured to attach the surgical tool to the main surgical console.When the accessory connector is brought within close proximity to themachine connector, a communications connection is established betweenthe RFID tag and the RFID reader.

In another embodiment consistent with the principles of the presentinvention, the present invention is a method of ensuring that a surgicaltool is used safely with a surgical machine. The method includes thesteps of establishing a communications connection between the surgicalmachine and the surgical tool, reading an identification datum from thesurgical tool, based on the identification datum, determining if thesurgical tool can safely be used with the surgical machine, andproviding power to the surgical tool only if it is safe to do so.

In another embodiment consistent with the principles of the presentinvention, the present invention is method of ensuring the safe use of asurgical tool with a surgical machine. The method includes the steps ofestablishing a communications connection between the surgical machineand the surgical tool, reading an identification datum from the surgicaltool, reading a use datum from the surgical tool, based on theidentification datum and the use datum, determining if the surgical toolcan safely be used with the surgical machine, and disabling the surgicaltool if it cannot be safely used.

In another embodiment consistent with the principles of the presentinvention, the present invention is a method of gathering informationfrom a surgical tool. The method has the steps of establishing acommunications connection between the surgical machine and the surgicaltool, reading an identification datum and a use datum from the surgicaltool, and recording the use datum in a memory.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are intended to provide further explanation of the invention asclaimed. The following description, as well as the practice of theinvention, set forth and suggest additional advantages and purposes ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of theinvention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical machine with an RFIDillumination ring system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a front panel of a surgical machine withan RFID illumination ring system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a connector and illumination ring on thefront panel of a surgical machine with an RFID illumination ring systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tool containing an RFID tag for usewith a surgical machine with an RFID illumination ring system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-section view of a connector on a tool foruse with a surgical machine with an RFID illumination ring systemaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-section view of a connector and illuminationring on the front panel of a surgical machine with an RFID illuminationring system as coupled to a connector on a tool for use with a surgicalmachine with an RFID illumination ring system according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting the smart connector system in one modeof operation consistent with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting the smart connector system in anothermode of operation consistent with the principles of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting the smart connector system in anothermode of operation consistent with the principles of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical machine 100 with an RFIDillumination ring system according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 1, surgical machine 100 has a display 105 and a mainsurgical console 110. Information about the operation and status ofsurgical machine 100 is displayed on display 105. Main surgical console110 contains the circuitry (not shown) to operate surgical machine 100.Main surgical console has a front panel 120 located on the front ofsurgical machine 100. Various controls, such as control knob 125 and keylock 126, are located on front panel 120. In addition, an electricalconnector and illumination ring 130 and a pneumatic connector andillumination ring 140 are located on front panel 120. While the locationof the controls 125, 126 and the connectors and illumination rings 130,140 are shown on front panel 120, their location can be anywhere on mainsurgical console 110, display 105, or other peripheral (not shown).Surgical machine 100 also contains and RFID reader (not shown). Atypical RFID reader includes an RFID antenna, transceiver,microprocessor, power supply, and signal conditioning circuitry.

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed view of the front panel 120 depicted inFIG. 1. Front panel 120 holds controls, such as control knob 125 and keylock 126. Front panel 120 also has two connectors with illuminationrings 130, 140. Electrical connector with illumination ring 130 has anillumination ring 135 and an electrical connector 150. Illumination ring135 is located around the periphery of electrical connector 150.Pneumatic connector with illumination ring 140 has an illumination ring145 and a pneumatic connector 155. Illumination ring 145 is locatedaround the periphery of pneumatic connector 155.

Electrical connector 150 is adapted to receive a mating connector froman electrically-powered accessory, such as a tool. When connected to anelectrically-powered accessory, electrical connector 150 provides powerto that accessory. Likewise, pneumatic connector 155 is adapted toreceive a mating connector from a pneumatically-powered accessory, suchas a tool. When connected to a pneumatically-powered accessory,pneumatic connector 155 provides power to that accessory.

The illumination rings 135, 145 are designed to display visible light ina ring-like configuration. In this manner, a surgeon operating thesurgical machine 100 can see when an illumination ring is lit.Illumination rings 135, 145 are designed to display different colorsindicating different modes of operation or statuses of the surgicalmachine 100 as discussed in further detail below. While shown as acontinuous ring, illumination rings 135, 145 may take on numerousdifferent configurations without departing from the scope and spirit ofthis invention. For example, illumination rings 135, 145 may be in theshape of a square, triangle, or any other polygon. In addition, thelight produced by illumination rings 135, 145 need not be continuous asshown. While a continuous ring of light is generally more useful andaesthetically pleasing, a broken ring of light can also be used as canflashing or pulsating light.

FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of a connector and illumination ringlocated on front panel 120 of surgical machine 100. In FIG. 3, maleconnector 305 is mounted onto manifold 315 of surgical machine 100.Manifold 315 is located behind and attached to front panel 120 ofsurgical machine 100. Printed circuit board (PCB) 330 is located betweenmanifold 315 and front panel 120. Male connector protrudes through PCB330 and front panel 120 to allow connection with a female connector on atool (not shown). Light emitting diodes (LEDs) 335 and 340 are mountedon the side of PCB 330 that faces the manifold 315. In other words, LEDs335 and 340 are mounted on the side of PCB 330 that does not face frontpanel 120. RFID reader antenna 310 is also located on or integrated intoPCB 330. Lens 325 is located in front of PCB 330 and in a planesubstantially parallel with front panel 120. The front face of lens 325is visible when looking at the front panel 120.

In FIG. 3, an illumination ring is implemented with LEDs 335, 340 andlens 325. Light from LEDs 335, 340 passes through holes in the PCB 330(not shown) and is refracted and diffused by lens 325. A ring of visiblelight is observed when looking at the lens 325 on front panel 120. Inorder to produce a uniform ring of light, lens 325 refracts and diffusesthe light produced by LEDs 335, 340. In this manner, an illuminationring is located around the periphery of male connector 305.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tool containing an RFID tag for usewith surgical machine 100. Tool 400 has a hand piece 405, cable 420, anda female connector 425. Hand piece 405 has a working tip 410 which canbe any type of device used in surgery. For example working tip 410 maybe a small pair of pneumatic scissors designed to cut ocular tissue or adrug delivery device designed to place a quantity of drug in theposterior of an eye. Cable 415 connects to hand piece 405 on surface415. Cable 420 extends from surface 415 of hand piece 405 to femaleconnector 425. Cable 420 attaches to female connector 425 on a surface(not shown) opposite receiving cavity 435. In one configuration, cable420 is adapted to provide electrical power to hand piece 405 and workingtip 410. In another configuration, cable 420 is adapted to providepneumatic power to hand piece 405 and working tip 410. Cable 420 mayhelp to control hand piece 405 and working tip 410, such as by varyinglevels of power. In this manner, cable 420 could be used to both powerand control hand piece 405 and working tip 410.

Female connector 425 has a generally cylindrical shape. Female connector425 has a receiving cavity 435 adapted to fit male connector 305. Inthis manner, the receiving cavity 435 on connector 425 has a femaleconfiguration, and male connector 305 has a male configuration. Whenconnected, surgical machine delivers 100 delivers power to tool 400.While female connector 425 is shown with a female configuration, it isunderstood that any suitable configuration can be used. For example,female connector 425 can be reconfigured to have a male configuration,and male connector 305 can be reconfigured to have a femaleconfiguration.

Female connector 425 also has an RFID tag 430 disposed on a surfacearound receiving cavity 435. The location of RFID tag 430 is designed toplace the tag close to front panel 120 when female connector 425 isconnected to male connector 305. In this manner, the antenna of the RFIDtag 430 is placed in close proximity to the reader antenna 310. Theantenna of RFID tag 430 also has a circular configuration similar to thecircular configuration of reader antenna 310. While shown as having acircular configuration, any antenna configuration can be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-section view of the female connector 425depicted in FIG. 4. Female connector 425 has a generally cylindricalshape. Surface 505 and surface 515 are generally parallel. Cable 420extends from surface 505 outward toward hand piece 405. Cable 420 alsoextends inward from surface 505 to enable the necessary internalconnections with female connector 425. In this manner, power can bedelivered from surgical machine 100 through male connector 305 to femaleconnector 425 through cable 420 and to hand piece 405 and working tip410.

RFID tag 430 is arranged circularly around receiving cavity 435 on asurface opposite surface 515. Alternatively, RFID tag can be disposed onexterior surface 520 or interior surface 525 or other location nearreceiving cavity 435. Female connector 425 is also shown with member 510adapted to connect with male connector 305.

FIG. 6 is an exploded cross-section view of male connector andillumination ring on the front panel of a surgical machine as coupled toa connector on a tool. In FIG. 6, male connector 305 is mounted inmanifold 315 of surgical machine 100. Manifold 315 is located behind andattached to front panel 120 of surgical machine 100. Printed circuitboard (PCB) 330 is located between manifold 315 and front panel 120.Male connector protrudes through PCB 330 and front panel 120 to allowconnection with a female connector on a tool (not shown). Light emittingdiodes (LEDs) 335 and 340 are mounted on the side of PCB 330 that facesthe manifold 315. In other words, LEDs 335 and 340 are mounted on theside of PCB 330 that does not face front panel 120. RFID reader antenna310 is also located on or integrated into PCB 330. Lens 325 is locatedin front of PCB 330 and in a plane substantially parallel with frontpanel 120. The front face of lens 325 is visible when looking at thefront panel 120.

Female connector 425 includes a cable 420 and an RFID tag 430. The cable420 extends from the connector 425 and toward the hand piece (notshown). RFID tag 430 is located on a front face of female connector 425.As shown, female connector 425 is coupled to male connector 405. In thisconfiguration, a tool is connected to the surgical machine.

When female connector 425 is connected to male connector 405, RFID tag430 is located close to reader antenna 310. This allows reader antenna310 and RFID tag 430 to easily communicate with each other. Readerantenna 310 emits an RF field (not shown). When female connector 425with RFID tag 430 is brought within this field, communication isestablished between RFID tag 430 and reader antenna 310. It is notnecessary that female connector 425 and male connector 305 actually becoupled together for communication to take place. It is only necessarythat RFID tag 430 be brought into the RF field emitted from readerantenna 310.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting the smart connector system of thepresent invention in one mode of operation. In step 710, a radiofrequency communications connection is established between the surgicalmachine 100 and tool 400. After this communications connection isestablished, surgical machine 100 via an RFID reader reads anidentification datum from tool 400 in step 720. This identificationdatum can be, for example, a serial number, product identificationnumber, UPC number, or other information that identifies tool 400. Inaddition, each tool may be provided with a unique serial number or otheridentifier that can be used to identify the particular tool beingconnected to the surgical machine 100.

In step 730, the surgical machine 100, or circuitry contained therein,compares the identification datum with a set of data corresponding todifferent surgical tools. In one case, the surgical machine 100 may havea set of data that indicates all of the different types of tools thatcan be used with surgical machine 100. For example, the set of data maycontain identifiers, such as product codes, for the various types ofscissors, probes, lasers, illuminators, hand pieces, consumables, andother types of tools that can be connected to and used with surgicalmachine 100. In another case, the set of data may contain uniqueidentifiers so that an individual tool can be identified. This set ofdata may be pre-loaded onto surgical machine 100 or it may be stored onthe machine at a later date. The set of data may also be builtdynamically so that the surgical machine 100 adds an identifier when atool 400 is connected. In this manner, the surgical machine may add tothe set of data information, such as the unique identifier for aparticular tool, the number of times the tool has been connected tosurgical machine 100, and various other parameters about the conditionand operation of the tool.

In step 740, a decision is made by the surgical machine 100, or thecircuitry therein, about whether or not the tool 400 can be used safely.This decision step can involve, for example, determining whether thetool associated the identification datum is proper for a given surgicalprocedure. If it is proper, then the surgical machine 100 provides powerto the surgical tool in step 750. In step 760, the illumination ringturns green to indicate that it is safe to use the tool. If the tool isnot proper for the surgical procedure, the surgical machine does notprovide power to the tool in step 770. In step 780, the illuminationring turns red to indicate that it is not safe to use the tool.

In this example, the illumination rings 135, 145 display twocolors—green and red. In other implementations, the illumination rings135, 145 can display different colors associated with different statesor modes. For example, green could indicate that it is safe to connectthe tool, while red could indicate that a connected tool is beingpowered and cannot be removed. A flashing yellow could indicate that theconnected tool has malfunctioned. In this manner, the color displayedcan mean different things. Different colors can be used for properconnections, improper connections, tool in use, tool not in use, toolmalfunction, tool battery low, or tool needs service.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting the smart connector system of thepresent invention in another mode of operation. In step 805, a radiofrequency communications connection is established between the surgicalmachine 100 and tool 400. After this communications connection isestablished, surgical machine 100 via an RFID reader reads anidentification datum from tool 400 in step 810. This identificationdatum can be, for example, a serial number, product identificationnumber, UPC number, or other information that identifies tool 400. Inaddition, each tool may be provided with a unique serial number or otheridentifier that can be used to identify the particular tool beingconnected to the surgical machine 100.

In step 815, surgical machine 100 via an RFID reader reads a use datumfrom tool 400. This use data may include the number of times the toolhas been used, the operating characteristics or parameters of the tool,faults or problems that the tool has, or any other information relatedto the status, functionality, or operation of the tool 400.

In step 820, the surgical machine 100, or circuitry contained therein,compares the identification datum with a set of data corresponding todifferent surgical tools. In one case, the surgical machine 100 may havea set of data that indicates all of the different types of tools thatcan be used with surgical machine 100. For example, the set of data maycontain identifiers, such as product codes, for the various types ofscissors, probes, lasers, illuminators, hand pieces, consumables, andother types of tools that can be connected to and used with surgicalmachine 100. In another case, the set of data may contain uniqueidentifiers so that an individual tool can be identified. This set ofdata may be pre-loaded onto surgical machine 100 or it may be stored onthe machine at a later date. The set of data may also be builtdynamically so that the surgical machine 100 adds an identifier when atool 400 is connected.

In step 825, the surgical machine 100, or circuitry contained therein,compares the use datum with a set of data corresponding to acceptableuse parameters. In one case, the surgical machine 100 may have a set ofdata that indicates all of the acceptable uses for tool 400. Forexample, the set of data may contain use cases for the various types ofscissors, probes, lasers, illuminators, hand pieces, consumables, andother types of tools that can be connected to and used with surgicalmachine 100. This set of data may be pre-loaded onto surgical machine100 or it may be stored on the machine at a later date. The set of datamay also be built dynamically so that the surgical machine 100 adds anidentifier or use case when a tool 400 is connected. In this manner, thesurgical machine may add to the set of data information, such as theunique identifier for a particular tool, the number of times the toolhas been connected to surgical machine 100, and various other parametersabout the condition and operation of the tool.

In step 830, a decision is made by the surgical machine 100, or thecircuitry therein, about whether or not the tool 400 can be used safely.This decision step can involve, for example, determining whether thetool associated the identification datum is proper for a given surgicalprocedure. If it is proper, then the surgical machine 100 provides powerto the surgical tool in step 835. In step 840, the illumination ringturns green to indicate that it is safe to use the tool. If the tool isnot proper for the surgical procedure, the surgical machine disables thetool in step 845. In step 850, the illumination ring turns red toindicate that it is not safe to use the tool.

The decision in step 830 may also be based on the use datum. In thismanner, if the use datum is outside a safe range, then the surgicalmachine disables the tool in step 845. For example, the use datum mayindicate that the tool has exceeded the maximum number of safe timesthat it can be used. In such a case, the surgical machine disables thesurgical tool in step 845 and notifies the surgeon of the problem ondisplay 105. In another case, the use datum may indicate a problem withor fault in the tool. In such a case, the surgical machine disables thesurgical tool in step 845 and notifies the surgeon of the problem ondisplay 105. Numerous other similar scenarios can be implemented inaccordance with the present invention.

In another case, surgical machine 100 may use the use datum to ensureproper operation of the tool. For example, the use datum might includeparameters about the specific operating characteristics of the tool 400that surgical machine 100 can use to fine tune or calibrate tool 400. Inthis manner, surgical machine 100 reads the use datum and compensates orcalibrates the operation of tool 400 based on this use datum.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting the smart connector system of thepresent invention in another mode of operation. In step 910, a radiofrequency communications connection is established between the surgicalmachine 100 and tool 400. After this communications connection isestablished, surgical machine 100 via an RFID reader reads anidentification datum from tool 400 in step 920. This identificationdatum can be, for example, a serial number, product identificationnumber, UPC number, or other information that identifies tool 400. Inaddition, each tool may be provided with a unique serial number or otheridentifier that can be used to identify the particular tool beingconnected to the surgical machine 100.

In step 930, surgical machine 100 via an RFID reader reads a use datumfrom tool 400. This use data may include the number of times the toolhas been used, the operating characteristics or parameters of the tool,faults or problems that the tool has, or any other information relatedto the status, functionality, or operation of the tool 400.

In step 940, the use datum is stored in memory. Alternatively, both theidentification datum and the use datum may be stored. The memory mayreside in the surgical machine 100. The same data may also be stored onmemory contained in the tool itself. In this manner, a set of datarelated to a specific tool or a class of tools can be built up andstored for future use. Trends in tool usage can be tracked which canprovide valuable information to surgeons and medical devicemanufacturers. For example, detailed surgeon preferences can beextracted from the data. While stored in memory resident on the surgicalmachine itself, such data could be transmitted via a wired or wirelessconnection thus enabling a more dynamic use of the data.

From the above, it may be appreciated that the present inventionprovides an improved RFID illumination ring system for use on a surgicalmachine. The present invention helps to prevent surgeon error byutilizing RFID to determine if the proper tool is connected to thesurgical machine. In addition, the RFID system allows for the collectionof useful data. The present invention is illustrated herein by example,and various modifications may be made by a person of ordinary skill inthe art.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A smart connector system for a surgical machine comprising: a machineconnector disposed on a face of a surgical machine; an illumination ringlocated on the face of the surgical machine and disposed around aperiphery of the machine connector; an RFID reader antenna located inclose proximity to the machine connector and the face of the surgicalmachine; and an accessory connector adapted to couple with the machineconnector, the accessory connector having an RFID tag antenna, theaccessory connector for attaching a tool to the surgical machine;wherein when the accessory connector is brought within close proximityto the machine connector, a communications connection is establishedbetween the RFID tag antenna and the RFID reader antenna.
 2. The systemof claim 1 further comprising: circuitry disposed in the surgicalmachine, the circuitry adapted to read information from the RFID tagantenna.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the illumination ringilluminates in response to the communications connection.
 4. The systemof claim 3 wherein the illumination ring is capable of producing atleast two different colors of light
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein theaccessory connector further has an REID tag integrated circuit.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the accessory connector and the machineconnector are configured to deliver electric power to the tool.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the accessory connector and the machineconnector are configured to deliver pneumatic power to the tool.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the accessory connector and the machineconnector are configured to deliver hydraulic power to the tool.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the accessory connector and the machineconnector are configured to deliver laser power to the tool.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the accessory connector and the machineconnector are configured to deliver light to the tool.
 11. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the accessory connector and the machine connector areconfigured to deliver fluid to the tool.
 12. The system of claim 1wherein the illumination ring further comprises: a light source; and alight diffusive element.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein theillumination ring further comprises: a light source; and a lightrefractive element.
 14. A ring illumination system comprising: asurgical machine having a main surgical console and a display; a machineconnector disposed on a face of the main surgical console, the machineconnector adapted to provide power to a surgical tool; an illuminationring located on the face of the main surgical console and disposedaround a periphery of the receiving connector, the illumination ringcomprising a light source and an light diffusive and refractive element;an RFID reader including an RFID reader antenna located in closeproximity to the machine connector and the face of the main surgicalconsole; and an accessory connector adapted to couple with the machineconnector, the accessory connector having an RFID tag, the accessoryconnector for attaching the surgical tool to the main surgical console;wherein when the accessory connector is brought within close proximityto the machine connector, a communications connection is establishedbetween the RFID tag and the RFID reader.
 15. The system of claim 14wherein the illumination ring illuminates in response to thecommunications connection.